UK power could be 100% renewable by 2050

The United Kingdom could be 100% powered by renewable energy by 2050, according to a green energy firm.

The claim was made by Good Energy chief executive, Juliet Davenport, during her keynote speech at the Bristol Schumacher Conference 2010 on Saturday (16 October).

Speaking to delegates, Ms Davenport said the energy market must be 'turned upside-down' if the UK is to meet its carbon reductions targets.

"The UK has a binding target to meet by 2050; reducing emissions by 80% from a 1990 baseline figure," Ms Davenport said.

"Business as usual will not get us there. We need to develop a new, closer relationship with the energy we use which will encourage us to value our energy more and use it less."

During her presentation, Ms Davenport said analysis conducted by Good Energy showed reducing emissions from transport, heat and industry, will require electrification - causing electricity demand to double by 2050.

But, she explained, if technology and consumer behaviour are transformed, this increased electricity demand can be met completely from renewable sources.

"Our vision of the future looks very different to what we see today," added Ms Davenport.

"Energy companies will be transformed from leviathans to enablers and, maybe, by 2050, they will all look like Good Energy."